Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Summary
SIFMA provided comments to the Department of Labor’s (the “Department”) regarding the notice to delay the effective date of the revised interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). SIFMA supports the Department allowing the final rule to become effective on March 8, 2021, as included in the Department’s final rule.
Excerpt
February 16, 2021
Via Electronic Submission
Division of Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation
Wage and Hour Division
U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-3502
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
Re: RIN1235-AA34, Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
To Whom It May Concern:
The Securities Industry Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”)1 appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Department of Labor’s (the “Department”) notice to delay the effective date of the revised interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).2 We support the Department allowing the final rule to become effective on March 8, 2021, as included in the Department’s final rule.3
I. The Department Finalized a Rational Test
The Department’s final rule would replace the existing six-factor “economic realities” test with a similar but streamlined test that ultimately answers whether a worker is in business for themselves or is economically dependent on the employer for work. This final rule would recognize the economic realities of financial advisors (“FAs”) affiliated with SIFMA’s members as independent contractors to enjoy the benefits of this status.
For FAs that choose this route instead of being an employee of a broker-dealer (“BD”), independent contractor status allows them to own and operate their own small business (formed as sole proprietorships, professional corporations, partnerships, LLCs, or other legal entities) and control the manner and means of its operation while operating in a highly regulated industry. Our members handle their licensing and supervision in compliance with federal and state regulations and provides the platform to effectuate and record their clients’ transactions.
Independent contractors have long been an integral part of the securities industry. Independent BDs and the nearly 150,000 individuals that affiliate with them as independent FAs serve millions of clients across the U.S., providing them tailored investment advice. Many clients are main street investors that come from modest means and benefit from FAs helping them to invest, save for retirement, pay for their children’s education, and buy insurance to cover the unexpected.
These FAs are entrepreneurs who assume the risks and seek out the rewards of entrepreneurship. They control their own profit or loss. Importantly, FAs own the relationship with their clients – the most valuable asset in the securities industry – and is an important reason that some individuals choose to be an independent contractor. If they wish to affiliate with another broker-dealer, they can take their client base with them.
We appreciate the Department’s efforts to provide clarification and certainty on independent contractor status. We look forward to engaging with you on this important effort. If you have any questions regarding our comments or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at (202) 962-7300.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa J. Bleier
Managing Director and Associate General Counsel
Bernard V. Canepa
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel